Regulation of Bottled and Packaged Water

All Members of the Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) involved in the extraction and bottling of water must comply with the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI) Model Code. This Model Code sets the benchmark for safety, quality, and environmental responsibility in the packaged water industry.

Audits of ABWI-certified operations are conducted solely against the Model Code and must be performed by ABCL-approved auditors. To obtain a current list of accredited auditors, please contact ABCL directly.

ABWI Quality Assurance Certificate Training Program

The Quality Assurance Certification (QAC) program helps businesses ensure their site practices meet the requirements of the ABWI Model Code. It is designed to build capability across all levels of the business so staff can implement quality, safety, and sustainability standards effectively.

Two training tiers are available:

QAC Tier 2:

• A half-day, entry-level course designed for production and site operations staff as well as staff not directly involved in manufacturing (e.g. transport providers or distribution teams).
• This certification does not expire.
• This course is a prerequisite and must be completed prior to the QAC Tier 1 course.

QAC Tier 1:

• A full-day, advanced course designed for production managers, QA managers, and facility supervisors.
• This program provides in-depth training on bottled water production, water science, processing technologies, and plant engineering.
• Certification is valid for 3 years and renewal requires the completion of a refresher exam.

Please refer to the ABWI Model Code for training requirements for each member type, including bottlers, source water operators and bulk water transport operators.

Training Schedule 2026

Tier 1 refresher workshops:

• 17 March 2026  9:00 – 12:00
• 17 June 2026 13:00 – 16:00
• 2 September 2026 9:00 – 12:00
• 18 November 2026 13:00 – 16:00

Register for one of these sessions here.

Tier 2 training sessions:

• Melbourne: 10 March 2026 12:00-16:00
• Gold Coast or Brisbane (TBC): 11 March 2026 12:00-16:00
• Perth 13 April (Time TBC)  

Register for one of these sessions here.

If you’re interested in training but cannot find a suitable date, please contact us.
To help us assess your needs, please email info@ausbev.org with the following information:

• Company name
• Number of participants
• Location
• Training type required (Tier 1 and/or Tier 2)

Please note that Tier 1 and Tier 2 training can also be delivered on-site at member facilities, subject to trainer availability.

Resources

For more information on ABWI packaged water and the auditing process, check out our resources below:

ABWI Packaged Water Brochure

ABWI Packaged Water Factsheet

ABWI Model Code 2025

ABWI Audit Requirements

Download the ABWI Model Code Auditors Checklist here

Members may find the auditors checklist useful to support internal audits and prepare for ABWI certification